Aerial Manlift Dangers
Aerial manlifts are machines that utilize either a series of folding, linked supports, such as an articulated boom lift or a scissor lift or a boom lift. These industrial pieces of machine allow employees to get in touch with hard-to-reach areas. In some ways, these equipment have made construction a lot easier and safer, however, the general safety which comes with the unparalleled mobility of aerial manlifts has implemented a new list of hazards that could inadvertently lead to severe injury or even death to drivers who are unaware.
Falls
Falls from a man lift often happens when workers fail to or are unable to wear a safety harness or cannot secure the harness to the lift. Falls can occur when somebody on the platform acts inappropriately and participates in an activity such as climbing the guard rails in order to gain additional height. In addition, mishaps could be caused if the ground-based operator causes the equipment to move in an unexpected motion prior to the employee being correctly secured.
At times employees can fall when the base of the lift is struck inadvertently by a heavy thing. In this situation, the force of the blow below becomes amplified by the length of the lift, therefore causing the employee to be suddenly catapulted off of the platform. Clearly this dangerous action has terrible outcome.
Tip-Overs
Boom lifts are susceptible to tipping over. Tip overs are more common in articulated boom lifts, but can take place in any type of lift. As boom lifts are able to move both horizontally and vertically, they are capable of changing the overall center of gravity of the machinery. Thus, if the lift is parked on a slope of some type or over loaded, completely extending the boom when it is in the wrong position could lead to a tip-over situation.